n. a white crystalline compound used as an analgesic and also as an antipyretic

Etymologies

acet(o)- + anil(ine) + -ide.

(American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition)

From acetyl + anilide. (Wiktionary)

Examples

An important adulterant, which should always be tested for, is acetanilide (antifebrin), which may be detected by the characteristic isocyanide odour produced when musk containing this substance is boiled with alcoholic potash, and a few drops of chloroform added.

SO_ H. Anilides, compounds in which the amino group is substituted by an acid radical, are prepared by heating aniline with certain acids; antifebrin or acetanilide is thus obtained from acetic acid and aniline.

The historic popularity of opium, and of late of the coal-tar products (phenacetine and acetanilide), in the beginning of an acute illness, is largely based on the power which they possess of dulling pain, relieving disturbances of the blood-balance, and soothing bodily and mental excitement.